Search Results

< Back EU unveils new trade policy SCMP 1 Mar 2021 The European Union unveiled on 18 February what it called a new, more assertive foreign trade policy that signals greater cooperation with Washington and warns of unspecified measures it reserves the right to take against China to blunt “negative spillovers” from the approach Beijing takes to trade and investment. The EU announced its “open strategic autonomy” as a way to cope with challenges including climate change, “greater recourse to unilateralism”, and the economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also made reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and stronger partnerships in Asia and Latin America key priorities. Read the full article here . Previous Next

< Back Hong Kong Leader Unveils Battle Plan To Win Talent War Forbes 19 Oct 2022 Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee unveiled a series of new measures designed to “proactively trawl the world for talents” during his inaugural policy address on Wednesday, while underscoring the need to strengthen national security. To combat an intensifying brain drain fueled by years of Covid restrictions and diminishing political freedoms, Lee introduced a new two-year visa for people who make at least HK$2.5 million ($318,000) a year, and individuals who have graduated from any of the world’s top 100 universities with at least three years of working experience. The new visas will not be subject to any quotas. Read the full article here Previous Next

< Back Foreign businesses threaten to quit Hong Kong over strict quarantine rules Financial Times 20 Aug 2021 In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, the Government has made sudden changes to quarantine requirements for residents flying into Hong Kong. On 19 August 2021, as The European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, we felt it is our obligation to express our opinions in an open letter to the Hong Kong Government. Click here to view the full letter. In response to our open letter, several media outlets have published articles covering the content of our letter. Foreign businesses threaten to quit Hong Kong over strict quarantine rules View Source Previous Next

< Back Coronavirus Hong Kong: everything you need to know about tighter social-distancing rules SCMP 11 Feb 2022 Everything you need to know about tighter social-distancing rules The Hong Kong government announced on Tuesday, 8 February the toughest social-distancing rules since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in a bid to contain a surging fifth wave of infections. Here is what you need to know about the new measures that will take effect on Thursday and details of the vaccine pass to be launched on February 24. Previous Next

< Back Asian Financial Forum Online 18 January 2021 Online The AFF is uniquely positioned for examining the challenges at hand and strategising the road to recovery and beyond. 2020 has certainly been a challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic not only posed an immense threat to the health and vitality of the global populace, it also brought about far-reaching disruptions to the global markets as well as accentuated the need for reshaping economic and social dynamics. The AFF, as Asia’s premier forum for global leaders in government, finance and business at the beginning of each year, is uniquely positioned for examining the challenges at hand and strategising the road to recovery and beyond. Visit their website here . All contacts and referrals of the EuroCham could redeem a 2-day Full Pass at a discount price, please contact us to have access to it. Previous Next

< Back Portugal becomes first EU country to submit its pandemic recovery plan Euronews 22 Apr 2021 Portugal has become the first European Union country to submit its pandemic recovery plan to the European Commission. Last year, the 27 member states agreed to a €750bn package to help repair the economic and social damage caused by COVID-19. To receive funds, each country has to specify how it will spend the money from the so-called Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). “I welcome Portugal‘s recovery and resilience plan as the first one officially submitted to the Commission,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following receipt of the proposal. Read the full article here . Previous Next

< Back EU economy set to grow faster than expected thanks to vaccination Euronews 13 May 2021 The European Union’s economy is set to grow faster than expected in 2021 and 2022 thanks to the accelerating pace of vaccination across the bloc and the gradual ease of coronavirus restrictions. As of today, EU countries have administered 175.3 million vaccine doses and almost 30% of the population have received at least one dose. These conditions have encouraged the European Commission to upgrade its economic forecast: the executive now estimates that this year the EU’s economy will grow by 4.2% while the eurozone will expand by 4.3% Read the full article here . Previous Next

< Back European Pavilion at MIF 2020 21 October 2020 s/n Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macao ​ Despite this year’s challenges, we are delighted to announce that we will host the traditional European Pavilion at the 25th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) from 22 – 24 October 2020 . In addition to the physical fair , MIF offers exhibitors the option to join online as a breakthrough of time, venue and travel restrictions. There will be various virtual activities including online matching, live broadcast and online promotion. A variety of incentives will be included in our walk-in packages specially offered to our exhibitors in the European Pavilion. Join us to explore business opportunities. For more information about MIF 2020 please visit their website. Previous Next

< Back Hong Kong eases travel curbs that hit economy and sparked an exodus Financial Times 20 Mar 2022 Hong Kong has eased its rigid border controls after the restrictions put in place to control the Chinese territory’s worst coronavirus outbreak battered the economy and prompted residents to flee the city. The decision will cheer international business, which has argued Hong Kong’s stringent controls undermined the city’s status as a global financial hub. “The measures are the sign we have all been waiting for,” Frederik Gollob, chair of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said. “[But] the decision comes at an almost too late stage . . . We need to see the recovery plan to avoid further damage, as the damage has already happened big time.” Read the full article below. View Source Previous Next

< Back TVB Pearl: An Interview with our Vice-Chair, Davide De Rosa TVB 3 Oct 2021 On October 4, our vice-chair, Davide de Rosa, did an interview with TVB Pearl on Hong Kong’s strict epidemic prevention restrictions, which will affect the operations of European companies in Hong Kong. [香港歐洲商務協會冀中港盡快通關 否則或影響歐企在港業務] The European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong urges that customs to be cleared immediately, otherwise European businesses in Hong Kong will be affected Click the link here , or on the image below to view the full video. View Source Previous Next

< Back 5 October 2018 WSBC Position Paper 2018 Spirits Tax Reform for A Competitive Spirits Showcase Market in the Region and Spirits Warehousing On behalf of the European Chamber of Commerce’s Wine & Spirits Business Council (WSBC1), we wish to recommend that the Government review and pursue a more equitable spirits tax and regulatory environment for Hong Kong in order to remain competitive vis-à-vis its neighbours in the region. A reform of the current system will also enable Hong Kong to become a regional center for the premium spirits industry (including its related activities e.g. auctions), thereby reinvigorating the restaurant, bar and entrainment scene, and revitalizing Hong Kong’s tourism offer. WSBC is also committed to reducing harmful drinking and advancing a balanced and inclusive regulatory and taxation environment that supports sustainable business growth, while cementing Hong Kong’s position as a leading business and travel destination. WSBC’s members strongly support the introduction of a Legal Purchasing Age in Hong Kong with the purpose of tackling underage drinking. We are also committed to playing a part in supporting the management and recycling of waste glass bottles in Hong Kong, through the Producers Responsibility Scheme on glass bottles, proposed at HK$1/Litre bottle (subject to further implementation details). As regional competition intensifies, we look forward to contributing to and supporting a range of reforms that benefit Hong Kong citizens and the broader economy. Issues and Recommendations for Policy Address Spirits Tax Reform for A Competitive Spirits Showcase Market in the Region – To review the 24- year-old spirits tax system which taxes alcohol based on value; and to introduce a specific tax system based on alcohol content. WSBC is proposing a rate around HK$75/Litre of pure alcohol (LPA), as a balanced approach for all stakeholders, for consideration. Spirits Warehousing – To review and reassess the dangerous goods license requirement for the storage of potable spirits with more than 30% alcohol by volume (abv) in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance. The review should take into account the internationally accepted practices. Previous Next

Careers Interested in joining our team? View our available positions below, or send us your CV to see if you could be a fit! If you would like to know how our past trainees found their experience, view their interviews here . Marketing Trainee Starting Date: ASAP Duration 3-6 onths Job Summary: ​ EuroCham is looking for a Marketing Trainee for a period of 3 to 6 months. Please note that this role is voluntary. The Trainee should ideally be a student of marketing, design, web programming or any related fields. Responsibilities: ​ ​1. Content creation and management: Design and produce marketing materials, including website content, newsletters, social media posts, press releases, and promotional materials. Ensure consistency in brand messaging and maintain the Chamber's online presence. Familiarity with basic design concepts and tools: Canva, Wix. 2. Implementing marketing strategies: Collaborating with the marketing manager to implement social media, website and marketing plans and campaigns that align with the Chamber's objectives and target audience. 3. Event coordination and promotion: Supporting the planning, organization, and promotion of Chamber events, such as seminars, workshops, networking sessions, and conferences. Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless execution. Requirements: ​ • Design and web design skills. • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. • Excellent copywriting and content creation abilities, keen eye for detail and accuracy. • Experience in managing social media platforms and utilizing digital marketing tools. • The ability to work on multiple projects at one time. Ability to produce materials quickly and on short notice. Independent worker. Awareness of deadlines. Time management skills. • Highly motivated, proactive. Able to work independently and as part of a team. The position is in hybrid mode, both out of our office in Causeway Bay and remotely. Duties and requirements may shift based on the organization's needs and priorities. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to marketing@eurocham.com.hk Contact Us At the moment there are no vacancies. We update our job openings frequently, so be sure to check back on a regular basis for new opportunities to join our team Project Coordinator Trainee Starting Date: TBD EuroCham is looking for a Project Coordinator Trainee for a period of 3 to 6 months. Please note that this role is voluntary. The Trainee will assist EuroCham's Business Councils with their lobby & advocacy activities as well as support EuroCham’s General Manager with the overall operations. The Trainee should ideally be a student of international relations, management, economics studies, or any related fields. ​ The Projects Coordinator Trainee’s responsibilities will include: Participating in the meetings of the councils and assisting the members in the research and analysis of European-related business, trade and investment issues in Hong Kong based on particular councils’ industry sector Conducting interviews with stakeholders, summarising information, and writing reports Managing and assisting in various events organised by the councils Providing clerical and administrative support to the team About EuroCham’s Business Councils The aim of the Business Councils is to discuss common challenges member companies are facing, provide a platform for dialogue with Hong Kong authorities, and publish position papers to put forward recommendations to the Hong Kong Government. The councils consist of members from various leading companies in their respective fields. EuroCham currently manages seven Business Councils and one Working Group representing specific industries: European Automotive Council (EAC) Wine and Spirits Business Council (WSBC) European Tourism and Travel Business Council (ETTBC) Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) Application Please apply by emailing your CV, cover letter and Hong Kong visa status to businesscouncils@eurocham.com.hk Contact Us